Time to stop the 'we need a big man' threads

[tower912]

Chris Otule is good enough, and darn it, people like him.   12 pt first half.

[KipsBayEagle]

What movie is that line from?

[rocky_warrior]

I think it's from SNL - "Daily Affirmation With Stuart Smalley."

[drewm88]

Correct. Stuart Smalley played by Senator Al Franken.

[nyg]

Chris Otule is good enough, and darn it, people like him.   12 pt first half.

Yes, but it is not like Providence is loaded with bigman talent.  That is why MU was going inside so often.  I believe Otule has already taken 10 shots.  Nice game plan so far.

BTW, that big, fat guy (Hall?) is terrible.  He must hit the scales at 370.  1-800-JennyCraig

[4everwarriors]

Any harm in having more than one on the team?

[HoopsMalone]

I like what I see.  I'd still recruit a project at minimum 3 out of every four years so that we always have bigs developing, practice simulates the size you see in games, and the team can absorb injuries.

But, Buzz and the staff look like that they have done a marvelous job with developing the bigs so far. 

[#MUBB]

For how much CO has progressed and improved as a player, the fact he is doing this with 1 working eye should not be understated. I would imagine he would have to work twice as hard in many facets of the game, what an athletic achievement and testament to his work ethic.

[tower912]

Any harm in having more than one on the team?

We have 2.   DG, a year from now, will look like Otule now.   However, taking and redshirting a 7'0 project is ok with me. 

[MarquetteDano]

Any harm in having more than one on the team?

Exactly.  We are not a good defensive rebounding team.  Yes, the five position looks solid.  However, we still need a four next year who can really rebound and play some "D".

[nycwarrior]

Otule is really progressing. Not just today but over the last 8 games or so. Love to see him putting it together.

Also love the OX. Great hands and feet. Conditioning is getting there.

Both are testaments to our coaching staff and should help prove to potential recruits that we can make bigs better.

Next recruit needs to replace the boards that we'll miss when Crowder leaves. His 13 boards tonight we're massive. He seemed to end most of Providence's possessions with the ball in his hands. THat's a Zar-like nose for the Rock.

[Blackhat]

Of course we need another guy coming down the pipe. 


It took Otule three years to reap any benefits and it just takes Otule landing funny once and he's done for the year.


Gardner is never going to be a rebounding/defending presence, he just doesn't jump well enough.   He'll give you some offense.

[ATWizJr]

No disrespect intended, let's remember whom we were playing.  Good win.

[Slim]

14 rebounds tonight for the Predator, and last game he had 7 offensive boards. He is more than adequate at the 4. Wilson's height next year (while playing the 3) will create some interesting match-ups

[MarquetteDano]

14 rebounds tonight for the Predator, and last game he had 7 offensive boards. He is more than adequate at the 4. Wilson's height next year (while playing the 3) will create some interesting match-ups

That's great and who will play the four the year after?  Do you want a first year player or someone who has some experience?  And what if Crowder gets into foul trouble?  We have Fulce this year as a backup but he will not be around next year.  I really think we need a power forward in the recruiting class.

[sailwi]

You have to give big props to Chris and the coaching staff, he has improved greatly in his time at MU.

[MU Avenue]

Our search for strong, skilled big men must be priority one -- now and forever.

Like many others, I am excited to see Chris Otule contributing more and truly helping decide games' outcomes. But no one should mistake his improved play for more than it is.

Marquette still needs a couple of guys who provide plenty of height (and some bulk), contribute on offense, play solid defense, block a few shots and are generally menacing to our opponents.

For now, nothing makes me happier than seeing Chris Otule playing some pretty fine basketball.

[mugrad2006]

Of course we need another guy coming down the pipe. 


It took Otule three years to reap any benefits and it just takes Otule landing funny once and he's done for the year.


Gardner is never going to be a rebounding/defending presence, he just doesn't jump well enough.   He'll give you some offense.

I'd look at some early videos of Rob Jackson while he was at Miss State and argue that Gardner could get there.  Heck, even in his year with MU I don't think I ever remember RJax even dunking the ball cuz he couldn't get up that high, but he sure could defend and board.

[T-Bone]

Remember Otule is a sophomore.  I really like how he's progressed in BE play this season.  It would be ridiculous for him to continue this progression throughout his career.  Even still, I'm curious to see what his ceiling is over the next couple years.  Hopefully it's higher than any of us have imagined.

[LON]

I'd look at some early videos of Rob Jackson while he was at Miss State and argue that Gardner could get there.  Heck, even in his year with MU I don't think I ever remember RJax even dunking the ball cuz he couldn't get up that high, but he sure could defend and board.

I remember him dunking once, and we all went crazy...in disbelief.

[Blackhat]

Remember Otule is a sophomore.  I really like how he's progressed in BE play this season.  It would be ridiculous for him to continue this progression throughout his career.  Even still, I'm curious to see what his ceiling is over the next couple years.  Hopefully it's higher than any of us have imagined.

Who are we kidding,  Otule's already exceeded my expectations, really.    Really excited to see where this ride goes, no more injuries.


As far as RJax, he was pretty long.  I was actually watching the MU-UK Elite 8 game today and Jackson had some long arms and legs. Was 6'9" too.   Couldn't jump similar to Gardner.  I don't really see the potential there for Gardner to be a big time defender/shot blocker/ rebounder.....we'll see though, it is only his freshman year.

[Doris Burkes Thong]

I said it a few times that Chris Otule will be All-Big East by his senior year if he stays healthy. The kid has just completely transformed himself mentally and physically. Really proud of him and he's just someone that I don't know how you can't root for.

[T-Bone]

I said it a few times that Chris Otule will be All-Big East by his senior year if he stays healthy. The kid has just completely transformed himself mentally and physically. Really proud of him and he's just someone that I don't know how you can't root for.

I completely agree.  He's a much different kid than he was even at the start of the season (at least mentally).  Big kid, big heart. 

As far as All-BE, I hope so.  If he can have consistent performances like today against the better teams in the BE, then definitely (and he has had some).

[StillWarriors]

I love how he showed some burst going up for some dunks in traffic. Didn't know that was there. if history is an indication, DG will significantly improve his jumping ability over the next 3 years. He's come a long way already in terms of fitness.

[LovinCrowder]

I said it a few times that Chris Otule will be All-Big East by his senior year if he stays healthy. The kid has just completely transformed himself mentally and physically. Really proud of him and he's just someone that I don't know how you can't root for.

+1